When you decide to get awnings for outdoor windows you have to decide if you want to buy fixed or retractable awnings. I believe that retractable awnings win hands down and this article will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of canopy.
Retractable awnings for outdoor windows can be closed when it’s cloudy or rainy so that you get maximum light inside, but fixed window awnings make the house dark when there’s not much light outside.
The latest window awnings use either solution-dyed woven acrylic fabric or laminated fabric which is heavy-duty, weatherproof and resistant to fading, mildew and rot. This is a big improvement on the types of natural canvas awnings that were used before and which tended to rot. Most fixed awnings have vinyl or canvas acrylic which falls prey to fading, mildew and rot in less than five years. Aluminum framed awnings for outdoor windows don’t rust, but fixed canvas awnings are made of steel which suffers from rust and corrosion problems which start within the first few years.
Retractable awnings for outdoor windows save you money on installation fees because they are easy to install yourself in less than an hour using a few simple tools. And it’s also worth noting that you can get some really good deals if you buy online with discounts of up to 35% commonly available.
In the event of stormy weather with high winds you can easily close up retractable awnings for outdoor windows, but a fixed patio canopy is vulnerable to strong winds which tend to tear them and rip them off the frame. The latest motorized retractable awnings even have optional rain and wind sensors and will close themselves automatically in the event of bad weather.
Retractable awnings on outdoor windows don’t need support poles and don’t spoil your view or pose the risk of children running into them, but fixed window awnings have posts.
The winter weather can cause severe damage to fixed awnings because the weight of snow can snap the frame arms, but with a retractable window awning it will be out of the way of all potential weather damage.
Awnings for outdoor windows will pay for themselves in the money you save on electricity bills for the air conditioner, as well as provide your children with important sun protection and give you a cool ‘outdoor room’ on your patio or deck. Sunlight generates heat inside the house, particularly in south or west facing rooms. All awnings cut the light before it enters the room, which can reduce interior heat by 77% and your energy use and electricity bills will fall by about 25%. Another important point is that sunlight is notorious for fading the color from carpets, soft furnishings and wooden furniture and if your rooms are shaded by window awnings your furniture and furnishings will last longer.
Apparently the approximate life of fixed window awnings is 5 years, but the guarantee period for retractable awnings is at least 5 and many companies give a 25 year warranty! I think that if you buy retractable awnings for outdoor windows, you’ll be pleased to find that they give you a lot more years of use than fixed window awnings.